Work-Family Connection celebrates 25 years

The Work-Family Connection was founded and started in 1989, with one school in Hunterdon County. They now serve students in Pre-K to eighth grade in 31 schools across the state. The Work-Family Connection was one of 26 organizations nation-wide that was selected to help develop the National Quality Standards for School-Age care.

Their Founder, Aurora Pipeling, led the State of NJ in developing State Licensing regulations for After School Programs. Prior to her efforts, there were no state standards or evaluations.

The Work-Family Connection has planned a commemorative year full of fun events and activities and each month has a different roll out plan.

The year started in January with having all students in all their programs opt to participate in an art contest designing the 25th anniversary symbol. Four winners were chosen and their art work displayed on WFC’s 25th Anniversary t-shirts, which were then given out for free to all students enrolled in WFC programs throughout the state.
Partnerships with local businesses in Hunterdon, Morris, Union, Essex and Warren Counties resulted in discounted family dinner nights, coupons to beauty salons, gift baskets, free coffee and breakfasts.

WFC programs celebrated with free coffee and bagels on cold winter mornings for parents when they dropped off their children at the before school programs. Breakfasts and lunches for school teachers and personnel were also provided in most of the schools where WFC programs reside. Their staff appreciation picnic will be held at Pickell Park on May 31. Neighboring businesses to WFC’s main office on Main Street in Whitehouse Station will be invited to their main office for an outdoor hot dog lunch in the spring. WFC students are being scheduled to showcase their activities at various Boards Of Education meeting s throughout the State.

In the fall, they will celebrate with a big family day event, one in each of Hunterdon and Morris Counties. Culminating all the events will be our 25th Anniversary Memory Book which will include some past and current year pictures and presented to all WFC families and schools at the end of the year.

WFC social media sites offer monthly giveaways all year long. They include prizes such as baseball game tickets, school supplies, gift cards and more.

The Work-Family Connection will be attending and sponsoring local community events in Hunterdon County throughout the summer, including the Clinton Township Community Day on April 26. They will be attending with balloon artists, activities and free giveaways. Catch WFC at the NORWESCAP Frolic in the Park event on May 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. WFC is also supporting the High Bridge Soap Box Derby Day on June 7.

The Work-Family Connection is also searchable on Facebook and Twitter.